Camp Mystic summer camp has filed for bankruptcy after 25 young girls, two counselors and a camp director were killed in July 4 flash floods last summer.
The summer camp filed for bankruptcy as part of a set of Chapter 11 cases involving affiliates of Mystic Camps Family Partnership, according to online court documents. Other affiliates listed include Natural Fountains Properties, Inc, Mystic Camps Family Partnership, Ltd and Mystic Camps Management, LLC. In filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, an entity typically proposes a reorganization plan so that it can stay afloat while paying off its debts, according to federal courts information.
In the early dark hours of July 4, flash flooding on the Guadalupe River near Hunt, Texas, overwhelmed the summer camp, flooding buildings and sweeping 25 girls and camp counselors Katherine Ferruzzo and Chloe Childress into the violent waters. Dick Eastland, the camp’s director, died in the flood while trying to save campers.
A committee that was formed to investigate the tragedy received a report Thursday that concluded the camp did not have written emergency plans, in violation of state requirements. It also states the camp did not adequately prepare for the floods, despite storm warnings, and did not evacuate campers in advance of the flash floods.
In April, Camp Mystic filed an application to reopen for the summer. Then on April 30, the camp withdrew its operating license application for summer 2026 that it had filed with the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The bankruptcy petitions were filed early Wednesday, according to online records.
The filing says the property may pose a threat to safety and needs to be physically protected from weather events. It also notes that its assets include perishable goods and items that could quickly lose value without attention.
Estimated assets are listed between $100,000 and $500,000 with liabilities listed between $10 million and $50 million, according to court records.
Willetta A. Eastland, Richard G. Eastland, Jr., George A. Eastland and Edward S. Eastland are listed in the filing as managers of Mystic Camps Management, LLC.
The law firm of Vartabedian Katz Hester & Haynes LLP, with offices in Fort Worth, Dallas and Houston, will represent the company through bankruptcy proceedings, according to court documents.
This is a developing story.
Correction (June 24, 8:40 a.m.): This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Katherine Ferruzzo’s name and to count Dick Eastland in the total death tally.